Called the Expansion 2012 project, the scope includes addition of more gates and new efficient airline technologies, the expanded terminal will also include many new amenities including restaurants, shops and services for travelers at the airport.
Not only do in-terminal concessions give more choice to travelers, they also provide non-aeronautical revenue, which helps hold down airline and traveler fees, the company has said in a press statement.
The project is funded by the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF), which collects development fees along with airline tickets for passengers emplaning from the airport.
The airport, which was substantially renovated in 2000, is presently operating 20% above capacity. The terminal was built to accommodate up to 5.5 million passengers a year. In 2008, EIA saw nearly 6.5 million passengers use its facilities.
EIA is experiencing lower than forecasted passenger numbers as a result of the current global economic slowdown, and that has required Edmonton Airports to review the AIF.
